The Central African Republic (CAR) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic – MINUSCA

Executive Summary

President Faustin Archange Touadéra’s government came into power in February 2016. He campaigned as a peacemaker who could bridge the religious divide, and he has been working to establish an inclusive government that includes the leaders of various factions. 

A breakthrough in the conflict occurred on 06 February 2019 when a Peace Agreement was signed between the central government and 14 armed groups. The agreement was negotiated by the African Union and United Nations representatives. However, the agreement is not yet fully implemented. A core tenant of the agreement is the inclusion of armed groups into government and military positions. This has upset civil society leaders who view these positions as concessions to people who perpetrated violence.

At the local level, some armed groups have refused to demobilize and continued to threaten the population with illegal taxation and targeted violence. However, local Peace Committees are being established with the support of women and youth, who are negotiating local peace agreements that have led to the de-escalation of tensions in some areas. Criminal gangs also pose a threat to stability in Bangui.